WASHINGTON D.C. -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC) today announced the recall of 250,000 hand-held hair
dryers because of a potential electrocution hazard. The
commission also warned that some 80 million hair dryers sold
before 1987, the effective date of the current voluntary safety
standard, continue to pose a threat to consumers.
"We estimate that 17 Americans are electrocuted each year in
accidents involving hand-held hair dryers," said Anne Graham,
Acting CPSC Chairman. "Ten of those yearly deaths involve
children under 10 years old. This latest recall is part of our
larger and ongoing effort to reduce deaths and injuries."
The following firms and models are involved in the voluntary
recall:
Firm
Models
MBR Industries, Inc.
Miami, FL
Mustang Electronics, Inc.
Hallandale, FL
Major International, Inc.
Orange, CA
China Bazaar
San Francisco, CA
Pomair Pro 2100 and 1900
Mustang MU 2100
Major Styling Dryer
Model 1250
Minimate Hair Dryer and Iron DS-601 (all units stopped in inventory; no consumer sales)
Since 1980, hair dryers have included labels warning
consumers of the electrocution hazard posed by immersion. In
spite of these warnings, electrocutions have continued.
In 1987, the voluntary standard was revised to require
protection against electrocution when hair dryers are immersed
with switches in the "off" position. The recalled hair dryers do
not meet this standard. Consumers should return them to the place
of purchase for refund or replacement.
In addition, CPSC warns, approximately 80 million hair
dryers manufactured before 1987 do not provide immersion
safeguards with the switch in either the "off" or "on" position.
Acting Chairman Graham said, "CPSC investigations have
shown that children often use these appliances as devices for
bath-time play. one scenario we have seen involves one or more
children left unattended in a bathtub when a parent leaves
momentarily. Too often the parent returns to find that a child
has brought a hair dryer into the tub, electrocuting one or both
of the children. While any child's death is tragic, these
electrocutions are particularly devastating because they are all
preventable."
The agency also urged consumers to have Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) installed to reduce the chance of
electrocution. "At the very least," Graham added, "small
appliances like hair dryers and curling irons should never be
left plugged in, especially in homes with children."